The morning sun shone through the rift of the blinds one morning, and my semi-conscious mind must have processed the red-eyelid-grid it saw as the fret-board of a cosmic stringed instrument. I began hearing the most beautiful music I have ever heard, as my mind’s eye watched each glistening sun-ray pluck the strings. I remember being astonished by its dexterity, and melodic perfection. Upon awakening, I tried to duplicate the notes I had heard, and saw, on my guitar—If only I could remember them note for note.— From what little I was able to remember, and attempt to simulate on the fret-board, the notes seemed impossible to play in one key. Almost as if each note came from one of the 24 individual keys of the musical spectrum. It totally seemed to of been an impossible dream— But, what if all dreams came true? I thought, and then it was gone…

I was standing on a sea-shore, in some far away place beyond the familiar sea, where nothing looked real, or resonated with me. There were neon colors, and bird-like creatures. Lifelike, but surreal. I perceived them with all 5 senses at once. I felt, tasted, heard, smelled, and saw them — from one sense of awareness — at once. I wanted to talk to them, so I tried to open my mouth, instead my eyes opened. And I awakened. It was over… What if all dreams came true?
I heard the phone ring as I was walking in through a large glass door leading to a hallway between two rows of desks occupied by dogs with huge human like grins, when suddenly one of them leaped out at me and said… “You Won The Lottery” — But, then, of course, I woke up.
I dreamed I was in a terrible hurricane, worse than any of the ones I’ve experienced first hand on the Carolina coast. It was terrifying. Water started moving in beneath my feet, and gradually rose to the level of my chin. Suddenly, a tidal wave came crashing over me, the town, and everyone, and everything, as far as I could see. And, then I woke up — But, what if every dream really did come true? Or. What if some really are warnings? What if we knew that every dream would come true? What If every dream did come true?

With all this talk of secret societies, shadow governments, world domination, mind and population control, —on and on, it can be completely overwhelming trying to absorb it all. Heaven forbid trying to make sense of it all. Especially if one has no prior personal studies in these areas. It’s imperative to have the inspiritment of something, or someone larger than a dark world bent on acquiring, practicing, and hiding such “secretive” knowledge for one to possibly come to grips with it all.

This is why many choose to ignore the obvious, writing every mention of such things off as conspiracy theories, conjecture, or fairy-tales.

Ultimately, rather than allowing themselves to become frightened, or overwhelmed by something they don’t understand, and refusing to address such things as the important social issues they clearly are, many will never come to know true peace.

I’ve wondered, and sought understanding about such things as “Secret” Societies, The End of the Age, and the potential imminence of a so-called—“New World Order,”— for many years.

Honestly, they aren’t so secretive.

It’s said that George Bush senior was the first world-renowned political figure to coin, or reiterate the (Biblically Prophetic Term) “New World Order” when addressing the world, and nation, at the end of the cold war on January 16, 1991.

The fact is,.. Though not termed as such, Woodrow Wilson revealed he was very aware of said “Secret Societies,” holding shadowed office’s of domineering prominence, and principalities, over all nations, and governments, just before instituting the 12 “Federal Reserve Bank System” that took monetary control over the world, back in 1913.

“Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the U. S., in the field of commerce and manufacturing, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” “Woodrow Wilson”

The Bible also clearly foretells such events, entities, and societies, in many places. Probably most notably in this ensuing verse:

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

This isn’t to say that all so-called “secret societies”are evil. Nor am I inferring the Bible is the only revealing source on such matters. Still and all, the Old Testament is irrefutably one of the most trusted, authoritative, repositories regarding historical events.

Historians from religious, secular, and academic circles, have relied on its chronological continuum for thousands of years, and many agree on its veracity of events, if not total historical accuracy of man’s existence. Among those relying on the Holy Bible, regardless of what their personal, or, collective agendas may be…are “Secret Societies.”

Many “Secret Societies” practice occultism. They may not brew up magic potions, alchemy, or even try to stay secret —The real “Secret” is the hidden knowledge of old they attempt to tap into and use for their personal advancements.

I alluded earlier in this writing, erroneously, I might add, the words; “Heaven forbid,” trying to make sense of everything taking place, or rumored imminent this day and age.Because, that isn’t exactly correct, since the Bible, and its affiliate historical writings are precisely where certain secret societies learned of the alleged secret wisdom they pride themselves to posses..

The irony?

The “Secret Knowledge”is whatheaven forbade. Or, more accurately, according to the book of Enoch, was knowledge not intended for the human race to learn about… At least:“Not At This Juncture”

“Wouldn’t Be Prudent”

That’s not to say the human race wouldn’t have eventually learned of the darker side of the supernatural,.. But Who Knows?

If man had not fore-taken of the fruit of the forbidden tree —“tree of knowledge of good and evil”( or the differences there-of ) then maybe the human race would never have come to know how to be evil.

From my personal studies in the matter it is quite plausible, just as the book of Enoch tells us, that fallen angels came to humans in many forms, and faces.

It seems persistent with mythological stories about so-called gods, and watchers from many diverse cultures across the world anyway.

Not only does the “Serpent-man”show upin the Genesis of everything in the “Garden of Eden” according to the Holy Bible, but, is even still worshiped in many places around the planet today.

Most descriptions, and legends, telling of the “Serpent god,” persist that he, nor his army of watchers have been seen for thousands of years. But, in almost all renderings of his alleged existence, he promised to return one day.

None of this information is all that secret as is plainly presented symbolically by most “Secret Societies.”

The Illuminate, eg; is symbolized by the Owl of Knowledge, or, secret wisdom,.. the Owl of Minerva.

occultism

/ˈɒkʌlˌtɪzəm/

Noun… in the modern English vernacular = The study of the supernatural, or, collective supernatural forces, Mysticism etc.

Adjective… Secret, Hidden, Forbidden

“Ergo”

“The study of supernatural knowledge, hidden from the senses and intellect, kept secret from man, and forbidden by God”.

Zechariah 9:9

The Coming of Zion’s King

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

“Who is this Jesus person?” “What’s all the fuss about?”

Asked a wealthy merchant of Jerusalem, as a cloud of people, and multitudes of “Hosanna” shouts burst through the eastern gate of the city.

“He’s a great prophet” A bystander told him.”A prophet who has done many great miracles in the name of Yaweh.”

“Ha!!! Prophet?” Retorted the merchant. “Riding a donkey?”

On February 15, 519 B.C. a young Israelite was awakened from what he described a trance, by an Angel of God. His name was Zechariah, and was given eight revelations while yet under Babylonian captivity. These visions, and message the Angel delivered, were not just words of the coming remission of God’s judgement, and freedom for physical Israel’s 70 years of enslavement, but, also a heralding proclamation to the world. A message of hope, salvation, victory, and finalized deliverance from the universal law of sin and death.

Though the book of Zechariah, including the vision Zechariah was given that night, entails earthly kings of power storming the land on colorful steeds, the spiritual message within the book was veiled. And, sadly, for some, without God-given spiritual discernment, still remains shielded today. The real hero in the prophetic vision wasn’t to show on the scene for another 500 years… Not riding a war-horse, or taking land, and spoil, by means of corporal shield and sword, but Instead, He came saving souls, with the sword of a Holy Spirit. An unshakeable passion of faith, on the most humble beast of all. On the back of a baby Burro.

Matthew 21:2-5

The Royal Welcome

When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: “Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them!’ He will send them with you.”

This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:

Tell Zion’s daughter, “Look, your king’s on his way, poised and ready, mounted On a donkey, on a colt, foal of a pack animal.”

John 12:13

So they took palm branches and went to meet him. They were shouting,

“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!” (The Message )

I saw a message on a Church marquee sign today that read: “Easter is not a Dead Issue.” And though we could argue about the word “Easter” and its origin. Or, the exact time, and date of the “Resurrection” of Jesus Christ, until the day of His return. I pray instead, if only for one day, if not, a complete Holy Week, we stand together, united in praise…

Because, one thing I believe anyone who knows the Lord Jesus will have to agree on, is, it must have been an awesome sight to behold; The Triumphal Entry. But, the most important Triumphal Entry of our personal lives…is the Day He Enters Our Hearts.

Are we being a Barnabas to our sisters, and brothers, in the family of God? Are we being a Barnabas even to our natural family members when they’re in need of encouragement? Maybe they did wrong. Maybe they’ve made some bad decisions in life that brought shame to the family. But, does constant chastisement, and nagging, on how bad one has lived their life ever help change a person, or help them to see the error of their ways? Or, does it take love, and gentle directive nudging?

Sometimes, of course, there is a need for confrontation, and speaking the truth to a person in tough-love, but then comes a time for encouraging, and disciplining that person in ways that are not accusative, or condemning . Saul, of Tarsus, for an example, was a very astute man of his day, in the eyes of religious law. Sadly, though, like many of today, he was over zealous in how he saw God and His work. Many extremist of the Mideast, Fareast, and even here in the U.S. will take a person’s life in a second, and even take their own life thinking they are doing God a great service. The Bible, of course, tells us this type of behavior will be common in the last days.

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. John 16:2

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

This behavior isn’t limited to the Muslim religious extremist, it’s right here, even among some so-called Christians. Even as far back as the Crusades men went out for the wrong reasons, taking lives and thinking they were doing God some great service. Here in America, people have bombed abortion clinics thinking they were doing God a favor. And it’s not just in the abortion clinics by any means. Two years ago, a Dr. who was well-known as an abortion, or, right to choice advocate was senselessly gunned down. Taken in the prime of his life by one who thought he was doing God a favor. Not in his clinic, But, in His CHURCH!!!!!

Now. Getting back to Saul. So extremely zealous in believing the things he was doing to Christians was all for the Glory of God, that he went to the high priest asking to be deputized, as it were, legally sanctioned to go out, capture, beat, and imprison, any and all Christians he came across on the way to Damascus. But, as we read, in Acts Chapter 9, Saul met with a greater authority. He met the “True High Priest,” on the road to Damascus,and was given a much higher appointment than that of a deputy enforcing the “Religious Laws of Man”. Saul met his divine appointment when he met JESUS the Christ!

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

In other words, Jesus was saying. ” Saul, you are defeating your own purpose, and persecuting those you should be encouraging”.

And he (Paul) trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:1-6

Now we know this was a very humbling experience to say the least for Saul. He was blinded by the Light of Jesus’ exuberant manifestation, and led by the hand to Damascus where all he did for three days, and nights, was pray. He wouldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep. He just prayed.

This was no covert operation Saul, of Tarsus had been on in the taking, and imprisoning of the saints of God either. Saul, of Tarsus was a dreaded, and greatly feared name, when heard, or mentioned, among the disciples of the Lord as we see in Acts 9:13. After Jesus told Ananias in a vision to go to straight street and “lay thou hands on and anoint one Saul of Tarsus”, Ananias retorted : ” Lord, I’ve heard so much of what this man has done among our brethren. Are you sure this is what you want me to do Lord, this man may just cut off my headstone me to death”. (Paraphrased)

Our loving savior Jesus, assured Ananias it was what He desired for him to do, as Saul was a Chosen vessel for the work of the Lord. After which, Saul was a born again, filled with the Holy Spirit of God, baptized, new man in Christ, (Now called Paul, ) and went out almost immediately after Ananias laid his hands on him, and the scales fell from his eyes, and began reaching in the synagogues that Christ was the son of God.

Nonetheless, just because we know all of this, do we think he no longer had guilt to deal with over the things he had done? Of course he did. In fact many believe this guilt, and lack of self forgiveness was the very thorn in Paul’s side, which the Bible tells us clearly, in Paul’s own words, buffeted him till his last letter to Timothy, before being killed.

The Bible tells us, of this thorn in Paul’s flesh, that he asked the Lord to remove it three times. Gods only response was: “My Grace Is Sufficient”. And, seeing as Paul was known to pray for three days at a time, those three times of his imploring God to remove the thorn could have been three different occasions in prayer equaling nine days or more. So. If the Great man of God, Paul, who wrote 13, and some say 14 books of the Bible needed an encourager to help keep him from falling into despair even after seeing Jesus the Christ, in a great vision of light on the road to Damascus. Then who are we to not be an encourager to our sisters, and brothers? Knowing that we need encouraging many times our selves, even if a person has fallen, or caused shame, or less than perfect in his, or her, walk with the Lord, if God says His Grace is enough, then who are we to cast stones of discouragement and doubt at that person?

I’ve personally heard several sermons, preached by two different preachers, both saying “the Church has taken this Grace thing just a little too far”, and both times, in both services I said to myself ; (and wanted to stand and shout it ) Maybe you’ve taken yourself too far preacher! But, brothers, and sisters, if God says ye are saved by His Grace, then the only thing I’m taking from the Grace God has given to another person, is my hands off.

The Church needs more Barnabas’

We need to edify our sisters, and brothers. We need to bring them up when they are down. The Bible tells us that we are to glory with one another in our mountain top experiences, and mourn together in our valleys. I believe for a man, or a woman, to be truly born again we are to see a change in the way we feel toward other people in their hardships, and pain, even in the midst of our own mud bogged pain filled situations of life. We need a Barnabas, and we need to be a Barnabas . The only way the Church I believe will ever come together again in one accord is to learn this lesson from the great book of Acts, and to learn to apply it into our daily interactions with our brothers, and sisters, in Christ.

Now Paul wasn’t the only one who had doubts. Can you imagine the thoughts of the disciples of the Lord the first time Paul showed back up in Jerusalem? Can you imagine the fear, and hatred, and total distrust the disciples must have felt toward a man who stood firm as he held the coats of those other Pharisees while they cast the stones that killed Stephen? And only the Lord knows what other things he had done…In the Name of the Lord, of course.Or, at least, that he thought was a great service to the Lord, according to his Religious schooling of the time. These things could have not been easy for even Paul to forget, and no doubt were on the minds of all the other disciples.

Paul needed someone. Paul needed Barnabas. We need a Barnabas, we need to be a Barnabas. We need to be a comforting, welcoming, soul warming glimmer of light for the Lord, in someones life, and not a flashing red, flag of condemnation.

Now, Barnabas had a divine calling as well. He was born on the Greek Island of Cyprus to a Jewish family, and the Bible tells us if we go back a little further in the book of Acts:

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36

Here we see that Barnabas was already being prepped to help encourage the Jew whom God had chosen to be the “Minister of Salvation” unto the Gentiles. The Church Needs More Barnabas :

Here’s what the Bible says Barnabas did first among many other things concerning Paul. Straightway Paul preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.Acts 9:20-26

When the religious leaders got wind of what Paul was up to they were furiously indignant, and out for more blood. This time, Paul’s blood. Here was a man hunted by his own people, once in the same mind-set with, and same erroneous belief of who God was, now willing to die for what Jesus had shown him an opposite cause. He knew, however, that he wouldn’t die this day, as God had told him of the things he would suffer for Jesus’ name sake before he would deliver the message of the Gospel to Rome.

No, the time was not yet come, and he knew what he was supposed to do, and whom he was supposed to be with. But, they did not trust Paul at all, and Paul understood that. Paul really suffered in his mind, and heart, over the things he had done in his past to people he wished now he could bring back, love, edify and encourage. But,that was as impossible as becoming one of the close-knit disciples of the Lord must have seemed to him at that moment. When, right before his eyes, Gods wonderful plan continued to unveil its self:

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. ( After this the Bible tells us ) Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 9:27-31

Without Barnabas standing up for Paul, the likelihood of him becoming accepted among the disciples was not good. In fact, one could have just as easily torn him down, assassinating the chance of a changed character, as many times today we are prone to see. Peter was not even about to come around such a man as this, had it not been for Barnabas.

So, the same choice is ours to make. God already ordained us to be an encourager, yet He also has given us a choice. Ruth, had Naomi, David, had Jonathan, Job, should have had three close friends who sat at his side, and suffered along with him as he was so painfully scourged physically, and spiritually, but, instead they accused him, and pointed a self discerning finger and made his pain even worse. But, what did God have to say about it?

And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. JOB 42: 7-10

Who will you be? ..an Eliphaz, a Bildad, a Zophar? Or will you choose to be a Barnabas?

She Sails Fare Another Day

To those who sit in darkness;

Waste deep in the drink of woe.

The light you bring shares life;

A beacon of glimmering hope.

You carry the torch not for selfish gain; But, foundering ships avail.

Stranded aground, gurgling sounds, off starboard in the Captains gaze…

Why does God allow adversity? That’s a question we’ve all asked at one time, or other, in our lives. We don’t even have to be a child of God to ask that question. It seems, in fact, the number one most pondered question of all times when it comes to the quest for the meaning of life. It’s also the most widely posed question among all diverse groups who seek the meaning of life. Atheist, use it to try to prove their claims that there is no God. Agnostics, use it to try to balance the teeter tottering split rail fence rung their indecisive minds spin from possibility, to possibility, on. And, we the children of God, ask it many times from the midst of our own anguish filled tumult, and tragedies.

As hard as it is for us to accept, or, even contemplate when we are experiencing such life altering circumstances, the answer boils down to one thing. “Faith.” How much do you believe God’s word? Do you really believe God allows adversity in our lives to prepare us for something better in life, as His word so often alludes to?

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Psalm 66:12

Or, do we instinctively assume the Devil is behind all adversity in our lives? Although Satan may be used by God in inflicting the adversities he has devised in one of his whiles against God’s children, it is never Satan who is behind the final outcome.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

When we face struggles in our life, God may only be trying to get our attention. He may be trying to teach us something, or just strengthening our faith. One thing is for sure. If you are facing seemingly bad circumstances in your life as a child of God, God has something good in it for you. Once we come to realize this, and begin to respond to those difficulties rather than ask why, God’s purpose behind our sufferings begin to show.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. Psalm 34:22

Adversity is something none of us are immune to. The question, however, in our hearts, and minds, when adversity comes knocking should not be ..“Why does God allow this”? But, how do I best respond to it. If we get buried in the all too overwhelming questioning of why such a thing is taking place in our life, we may just miss the lesson, or message, He is trying to get us to see .

One great Biblical example that comes to mind is Joseph’s life changing dilemma of being thrown into a pit by his brothers, and then sold into slavery by some passing Midianite merchants, to later become the Governor of Egypt as part of God’s plan to one day rescue Joseph’s family, (the seed of Jesus ) from impending famine. Joseph could never have fulfilled God’s plan in all of this had he broke down in total despondency, and defeat. But, Joseph never blamed God. Though he may have had moments of wondering, and even asking God why. Sooner or later, he used the adversity as a starting point to carry on what he knew (By Faith) was a plan devised by God. How can that be? You may ask. Because, Joseph had long since succumbed to the realization that God was with him… Joseph rested.. In the Finished Works of God.

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20

Am I saying that God is the author of all our sufferings? Not at all.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

He never promised we would not suffer adversity. But, He does promise a perfect peace, and unexplainable joy from the hope He gives us deep down inside. The trials, and tribulations, we go through here in this present life on earth? Maybe some of it is to keep us from being satisfied with what this world has to offer. Which all too often, because of abounding worldly evil, and selfish rebellion to God’s moral standards, includes suffering and pain. The next time you find yourself struggling with something heartbreaking, or too hard to understand, instead of complaining, or asking why▬ strive to be closer to Him. Because here, now, and forever. That is the absolute best place in the world to be.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4

Dandy Lion, Your Seed Has Been Received

Like a Dandy Lion; Seeds blowing in the wind… We are here for a moment.. Blown asunder… Our stems bend… Floating gracefully our sprites do list… All hollowed wonder, pondering the mist… It comes as freshness. Replenishing our slumber. No longer a need for us to wonder. Peace and lighted wings of fire…Do you think He’ll let you fall? Rest natural child..the Super-Natural Father has a plan. He’ll inform you. He has control of it all. And in all. Peace. You’ll see, has no end.